A number of US lawmakers, along with Amnesty International, have expressed support for the protesters involved in the violent demonstration by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers in Islamabad, who were demanding the release of party founder and chairman Imran Khan.
“The brutal repression of protesters in Pakistan and growing political violence is an attempt to suppress democracy and human rights [….] I stand with the brave Pakistanis who are rising up and protesting for change,” stated US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
This statement follows the PTI’s “do-or-die” protest, which was called off by the party after a crackdown by law enforcement agencies (LEAs) resulted in the deaths of at least four Rangers personnel and several police officers. The PTI also claimed that eight of its workers were killed during the protest.
This protest was part of PTI’s ongoing campaign to secure the release of Khan, who has been incarcerated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail for over a year on various charges. The party has reportedly been lobbying in Washington to garner support for the former prime minister’s release.
Reacting to the situation, Congressman Greg Casar condemned the violence and emphasized that the demonstration should be allowed to continue. “Thousands of Pakistanis are protesting for democracy and are being met with violent repression. I am hearing reports that the government is using live fire and tear gas against protesters [….] I condemn this violence and urge the government to allow these protests to continue peacefully,” he posted on social media.
Representative Barbara Lee also highlighted the importance of free speech and peaceful protest, stating: “I stand with pro-democracy advocates in Pakistan as they fight for justice and human rights.” Her colleague, Representative Summer Lee, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “I am moved by the bravery demonstrated by the Pakistani people as they protest for electoral integrity, and judicial fairness.”
“I condemn any violent suppression of them exercising their fundamental rights. Everyone deserves to speak out and demand democracy,” added Summer Lee.
Congressman Brad Sherman, who was involved in the October 23 letter from over 60 US lawmakers urging President Joe Biden to advocate for Khan’s release, reiterated that the PTI founder’s supporters had a right to protest peacefully. Former US Ambassador to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, also called for an immediate reconciliation process, stating, “This is not the way to enforce law and order,” seemingly referring to the LEAs’ crackdown on protesters.
This isn’t the first time US lawmakers have directly or indirectly addressed Pakistan’s internal political issues. The recent protests also prompted a response from the US State Department, which urged both sides to exercise restraint while calling for respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Earlier this month, 46 members of the US Congress wrote to President Biden, advocating for the immediate release of PTI’s founder, marking the second time US lawmakers have reached out to the president on this matter.
‘Unlawful, excessive force used’ Amnesty International has also joined the calls for accountability, stating that the LEAs used “unlawful and excessive force including tear gas, live ammunition and rubber bullets against PTI protesters.”
“Even if protests become non-peaceful, the authorities must respect and ensure the protesters’ rights to life and freedom from torture and other ill-treatment,” the rights group said, reminding Islamabad of its obligations under international human rights law.
Amnesty also highlighted severe restrictions on assembly, movement, and mobile and internet services, as well as the arbitrary detention of thousands of protesters across the country. The organization urged authorities to take all necessary measures to prevent the unlawful deprivation of life and ensure accountability for any misuse of force.
“Amnesty urges the government to ensure that the right to freedom of peaceful assembly is respected and protected. Those detained solely for exercising their right to peaceful assembly must be released immediately,” the rights watchdog concluded in its statement.
